Valve announces free operating system SteamOS

In its first of three Steam-releated announcements, Valve has announced a full-blown operating system called SteamOS. Based on Linux and centered around the company's digital distribution platform, this will be available soon for free and is intended for living-room PCs.

"With SteamOS, 'openness' means that the hardware industry can iterate in the living room at a much faster pace than they’ve been able to," writes Valve. "Content creators can connect directly to their customers. Users can alter or replace any part of the software or hardware they want. Gamers are empowered to join in the creation of the games they love. SteamOS will continue to evolve, but will remain an environment designed to foster these kinds of innovation."

There are said to be hundreds of games running natively on SteamOS, with more -- including AAA titles -- set to arrive next year. The full library of (PC and Mac) games and desktop software on Steam will be available via in-home streaming. Both Steam and SteamOS are getting Family Sharing, more parental control options, and music and video content.

Exciting news knowing that there are two more announcements on the way. We're ready for you, Steam Box.

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